Taihape Park amenities

After reading the article on the amenities block for Taihape Memorial Park, I am totally confused by your statement, mayor Andy Watson. You say that the council has made the final decision to go ahead with the amenities block separate from the grandstand. But the people of Taihape made it clear they don’t want it.

You say the location, layout and size of the block has been discussed over many years, with extensive group and public consultation. Is this consultation included in the costing you quote of $2.15 million?

You talk about investigation of a new tennis-netball court. I don’t have a problem with the courts being built – they are important to the development of our young people – but are they included in the overall picture or is this an add-on?

We are hard debating the amenities block over the historical grandstand. The council confirmed the grandstand’s inclusion in the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan. Will the funding for this still be $2.15m as quoted? I doubt that as the council decided to include investigation of the physical condition and refurbishment of the grandstand. It seems the council hasn’t done any structural or conservation investigation to date just to push it aside and go on with the amenities block.

The amenities block could be placed under the grandstand. Sewerage and power are not an issue

The grandstand sits in front of a magnificent park, which is utilised most weekends. Try getting a park there. What’s the point of building a structure in the corner of the park with no facilities for people to sit and enjoy the many activities the park has to offerwhen the grandstand is already there doing this job?

Mr Watson, you need to revisit your statement and be more honest. It’s clear you are not interested in the historical value of the grandstand at all.

Raymond Burrows, Taihape